In this episode, I sit down with Sam Hoyos of Long Island power pop and punk band Playing Dead to talk about the band’s latest chapter and their new split EP with Best Bones, arriving September 15.

Playing Dead has spent years developing a sound built around big guitars, infectious melodies, harmonies, and unforgettable hooks while pulling influence from punk, indie rock, garage rock, and power pop. On the new split EP, the band takes a more sentimental approach with “Going Back Home” and “Two Fourteen,” two songs that explore a more personal and emotional side of Playing Dead.

Sam and I talk about the songwriting behind the new songs, how Playing Dead has continued evolving throughout its extensive catalog, and why melody and a great chorus remain at the center of everything they do. We also dig into Sam’s unique songwriting process, the influence of bands like The Get Up Kids, Lemonheads, Superdrag, Samiam, and Face to Face, and the challenges of building an audience as an independent band in today’s music landscape.

We also get into the Long Island music community, the importance of peer respect within an underground scene, Playing Dead’s DIY approach, their recent shows with artists including Chuck Ragan, Codefendants, and Gracer, and what comes next for a band that continues creating music simply because they love doing it.

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